A defibrillator has been installed at Westerfield Village Hall after funding was secured for the lifesaving piece of kit.

Suffolk Coastal District Council’s ward councillor for Fynn Valley, Robert Whiting, provided a grant to Westerfield Parish Council from his enabling communities budget, with the equipment now having been installed.

Mr Whiting said: “I’m delighted to have been able to make this possible for the village. Let’s hope it never gets used – but it’s good to know it’s there now if there is an emergency.”

The equipment will be available for use in an emergency, with 999 call-handlers able to instruct people on how to use them.

Parish council chairman Peter Miller added: “We are a busy village and the Village Hall in particular is used by very many people of all ages for a huge range of activities. We are very grateful to our district councillor for making this facility possible.”

An independent Suffolk music venue has warned that a “long, sober look” is needed at supporting live music venues across the country, as a new national survey reveals threats to the future of some spaces.